Grandmother drove into neighbour’s legs
AGRANDMOTHER drove into her neighbour’s legs “at least six times” in a row over £100, a court has heard.
Jane Williams, 62, left Helen Wingstedt bruised by repeatedly “nudging” her with a black Jaguar car, Cardiff Crown Court heard yesterday.
The grandmother of seven had flown into a rage with Ms Wingstedt over an alleged unpaid debt of £100 to Williams’ husband, a mechanic who had done some work on the victim’s car.
Williams, of West Street, Llantwit Major, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. She told the Western Mail she is “deeply remorseful” over the offence, which took place at 3.40pm on February 18 last year.
Prosecutor Sophie Kenny said: “The Crown say the defendant shunted Ms Wingstedt along a road in Llantwit Major. The parties had known each other for six months, having been neighbours. Ms Wingstedt’s car had been damaged in a collision, and she mentioned that to the defendant, who said her husband could look at the car to perform repairs as he is a qualified mechanic.
“A quote of £500 was given – the company responsible for the damage would pay £400 and Ms Wingstedt would pay the difference. But unfortunately it took two months for the work to be completed. There was disagreement and dispute over the completion of those works.
“When the vehicle was returned by Mr Williams to Ms Wingstedt, an outstanding balance of £100 was discussed. It was quite an acrimonious conversation and the complainant ultimately didn’t pay the £100.”
On the day of the offence, Ms Wingstedt took her dog for a walk in Church Lane and saw a black Jaguar parked at a junction, facing in her direction. She recognised it as Williams’ car.
“She saw the defendant in the driver’s seat, who alighted from the car shouting, ‘You owe us money’,” Ms Kenny told the court.
“Ms Wingstedt said, ‘I’m not arguing in the street’. She walked along Church Lane, but the defendant had driven round the other way and stopped in the junction.
“The defendant started shouting through the open window. Ms Wingstedt continued walking, having to go around the defendant’s car, then described feeling a sudden strike to both legs.
“She realised she had been struck by the vehicle, causing her to stagger and feel pain.”
The prosecutor said Williams continued to “shunt” the victim and drove into her legs “at least six times”, prompting Ms Wingstedt to shout: “Stop or you’ll hurt the dog.”
Williams – who worked as a dog walker at the time – reversed and drove off shortly after a witness had approached shouting: “What the hell are you doing?”
The former nurse and estate agent initially denied the offence, telling police the victim had “made up” the allegation. She pleaded not guilty and preparations were made for a trial, before she entered a guilty plea last month.
In a statement read to the court, Ms Wingstedt said: “I no longer walk the route where the collisions took place, and I feel I am constantly looking over my shoulder. I check along the road to make sure Jane’s not about.”
Nick Gedge, mitigating, said: “This is a 62-year-old lady of positively good character. What happened on that day is out of character and much regretted.”
Recorder Duncan Bould banned Williams from driving for 12 months and she must take an extended test to pass again. She must do 150 unpaid work hours and eight days of rehabilitation activity. The judge imposed £1,000 in compensation to Ms Wingstedt. Williams will not have to cover any prosecution costs.